Kildare is holding walk in bid to raise vital funds to help people with mental health issues

A walk is taking place this Saturday in a bid to raise vital funds for affordable counselling services in Kildare town.

Due to a high demand for counselling services at Teach Dara in Kildare, a dawn walk is taking place on April 29, a weekend before the national Pieta House Darkness into Light.

Speaking to KildareNow, Manager of Teach Dara, Sarah Shakespeare, voiced concerns that people in low incomes are being forced to fork out between €30 to €50 per hour for counselling, due to lack of funds.

Ms Shakespeare hopes that if 300 people register for the event, then they will be in a position to provide low -cost counselling services.

She said: "This is our first time doing this event and it is gathering momentum."

Walk is only 5K and register before the 27th and you will get a goodie bag to include a breakfast roll. Let's support an amazing cause and register now. Adults €20 and kids €5.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions.
Fatigue and decreased energy.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness.
Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism.

Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of drugs, talking therapies and self help. Treatment is based on the type of depression you have.

Suicide warning signs

Talking about suicide – Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born," "If I see you again..." and "I'd be better off dead."

Seeking out lethal means – Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Preoccupation with death – Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.

No hope for the future – Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change.

Self-loathing, self-hatred – Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me").

Getting affairs in order – Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.

Saying goodbye – Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again.

Withdrawing from others – Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.

Self-destructive behavior – Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish."

Sudden sense of calm – A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to attempt suicide.